Thursday, January 22, 2009

Mom--I can do it myself !

One of the hardest parts of being a new parent is knowing when your child can do something on their own. My strong willed daughter has started to let me know that SHE will hold her spoon and bottle when she eats. When she wants to assert this independence (which seems to happen on a more frequent basis now), she pushes my hands out of her way.

I don't know why it is so easy to let my child experiment with her feeding techniques and so hard for me to let her roll over or perform other physical acts without my assistance. I want my child to be able to accomplish all of these developmental milestones on her own but also want to be her security blanket. Strange concept, huh?

On Sunday, my angelic daughter decided that it would be a good idea to perform a somersault off of the arm of the couch. Fortunately, she was not hurt as I caught her in the nick of time. Is she trying to give me a heart attack or what? This kid is something else..there's never a dull moment in our house now.

Don't get me wrong, I think it is wonderful that my daughter is so interested in the world around her. It's just that I might not survive her curiosity! It will only intensify from this point on so I better get prepared and soon.

Tuesday, January 6, 2009

Goodbye 2008-Hello 2009!

As we start a new year, I can't help but to reflect on the incredible year that was 2008! I like to think of 2008 as our "Legend of the Trees". I just heard this legend today and was extremely moved by it. If you are not familiar with this legend,the basic concept is that God's plans are always far greater than plans you could ever imagine for yourself. It was reaffirmed to me time and time again this past year that every fork in the road eventually leads you in the direction that God wants you to take. The biggest realization I made this year was that God's timing is always right even though our society wants "instant gratification". I am guilty of wanting this too...who doesn't? Through instant gratification, however, one does not learn the lessons necessary to navigate the path of life.

There are always reasons for the events that happen in our lives. The journey that my husband have taken over the course of the last three years has prepared us to be patient with a newborn. I'm not saying patience is easy but it is essential in so many ways. I have found that when my patience is wearing thin that there are ways that I can cope and not become overwhelmed. My daughter has taught me this concept through her sheer will and determination to press through any obstacles that may be in her way. She is an amazing little girl. Each day is never like the one before. You never really appreciate all you have been given until you see the world through a child's eyes.

We are hoping that 2009 will bring us more new adventures and experiences. We wish the same for all of you as well. May this be the year that all of your dreams come true!